© irene waters 2014
Having crossed the Cook Strait from Wellington we entered the Marlborough Sounds the name for more than 4,000 kms of sounds (another name for fijords), islands and peninsulas. We landed at Picton located at the end of the Queen Charlotte Sound. We were collected by our friends for the journey to Havelock, the main town of the Pelorus Sounds. From there we boarded the trusty Penguin for the one and a half hour boat voyage deep into the flooded valley system to the isolated bay where they lived permanently- a lifestyle accessible only by boat.
© irene waters 2014
The coastline that makes up these sounds are an incredible 1/5th of all New Zealands coast line yet only take up an area at the top of the South Island between Tasman Bay in the west and Cloudy Bay in the South East. Steep hills rise from the sea which is home to an incredible number of fish, mussels and scallops, all of which we fished or dragged for ending up with some of the most superb fish meals I have ever eaten. It is also home for a variety of birds and as one of these, the Rough-faced shag, is classified as rare and vulnerable there have been over 50 reserves made within the sounds.
The isolation is palpable. Whilst out fishing we heard a call for help over the radio. We were the closest to the incident yet it was going to take us around three-quarters of an hour to get there. Heading off in the direction my friend spent the time checking the sizeable first aid kit that was on board to ensure that she was as familiar as she could be with its contents. The mail boat, a faster vessel, arrived seconds before we did. It was a good example of the care that the few, isolated residents afforded each other.
This isolation, which my friends loved, could not do anything other than give spectacular views through windows whether they be the beloved Penguin or from the batch (small house.)
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Looks amazing; the Lawyer and I are plotting a visit to the Land of the Long White Holiday this winter (summer) and will bear in mind that piece of extraordinary coast when we come to plan its detail. I wouldn’t want to live there, though – too much the city boy.
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If you haven’t been before you are in for a real treat. Depending on how long you are there depends on what you do but the South Island is a must. https://irenewaters19.com/2013/11/17/pancake-rocks-the-full-picture/
another post in case you want ideas. I too am off in Nov but just to Wellington to give a paper at a conference. I plan on visiting the Natural History Museum which I have missed on all other trips but I believe has a superb collection.
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With luck it will be the best part of a month so we should get to see a fair bit. He may be 24 but he has the organisational focus of a 14 year old sometimes. Still I live in hope.
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🙂
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Excellent post – and great accompanying shots. But … Sunday Stills ?
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Thank you M-R. Sunday Stills time is our Monday so I make it our Thursday. Nothing strange in that is there? ❓
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Erhmmmm … No, come to think of it, Irene … Nothing ! [grin]
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Wonderful post about a unique place on earth. A little like some areas of Alaska, in the pristine beauty and isolation. Not sure I could live there. Maybe if I were 30 years younger!
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I’ve lived isolated and never again for me anyway. I love to visit though.
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What an incredible part of the world and such beautiful views. We are on the same wave length again my friend with the water this week! Sometimes I think I would like to live in a place like this very much 🙂
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But perhaps not so isolated. I wouldn’t say no to the views. Just superb. 🙂
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This is true 🙂 The views are spectacular, stunning 😀
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🙂
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Wonderful rise to the Sunday Stills challenge, Irene. N.Z. is a gorgeous place.
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I agree Christine. Thanks.
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